An article published by Latino Rebels presents the story of Ismael Cordová-Clough, a young Mexican immigrant raised in the Chicago suburbs, who shares his personal experiences regarding mental health and accessibility to psychological care in the United States, especially among  the Latino community. Cordová-Clough, a community outreach coordinator at a federally qualified health center, speaks candidly about his emotional struggles and the journey to overcome them.

He grew up in an environment where his emotions and sensitivity were considered weaknesses, which resulted in a disconnect with his own mental health. At age 12, he was declared gay by a church member, which further alienated him from his family and led him to resort to self-harm as a way to cope with emotional distress. After a suicide attempt, he finally obtained comprehensive psychiatric care.

The article highlights the persistent barriers Latinos face when accessing mental health services in the United States. Statistics show that a significantly lower percentage of Latinos seek treatment compared to other ethnic groups. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and other circumstances have resulted in elevated levels of anxiety and depression in the Latino community.

“Just 36.1 percent of Latinos with mental illness received treatment in 2021, compared with 52.4 percent of white adults and 39.4 percent of Black adults, according to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Department of Health and Human Services”.

The lack of Latino representation in the mental health field and the cultural stigma associated with seeking help are contributing factors to this disparity. To combat this issue, efforts are being made to increase Latino representation in psychological care and make services more culturally sensitive.

The article also covers recent policy measures to improve access to mental health services, including proposals to pressure insurers to expand behavioral health coverage and educational initiatives to raise awareness and eliminate stigma around mental health.

“The bill introduced by Sens. Padilla and Menendez in late July, the Mental Health for Latinos Act, aims to encourage Latino participation in behavioral health services through education and outreach campaigns at the federal and community levels. Lawmakers hope the measure can be incorporated into a broader mental health package passed by the House of Representatives in 2021, NBC News reported last month”. 

Financial hardship is also touted as an obstacle to access to mental health care, with high costs and coverage gaps in many insurance plans. The Biden administration is working to improve parity between physical and mental health coverage, but there is a recognition that significant changes are needed to make care accessible to all.

Ismael Cordová-Clough concludes by encouraging young people to seek help and share their mental struggles, emphasizing that there is always a path to recovery and happiness. His story serves as an example of resilience and perseverance in the face of mental health challenges.